Device for attaching a dispenser member to a receptacle

ABSTRACT

An attaching ring or fixing ring is provided for attaching or fixing a dispenser member to a neck of a receptacle containing a substance to be dispensed. The ring is annular and has a bottom portion and a top portion. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom portion includes snap-fastening tabs for fixing the ring to the neck. The top portion includes an opening for the dispenser and a surrounding structure for securing the dispenser member to the neck. The top portion further includes at least one guide wall element extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dispenser member and around the periphery of the fixing ring substantially in line with the snap-fastening tabs. A hoop can be provided for preventing the tabs from splaying apart. The hoop can include an internal projection, such as a vertical rib or a thread.

This is a reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 6,543,648, issued on Apr. 8, 2003from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/136,211, filed May 1, 2002.

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/654,018,filed Sep. 1, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,409,049, which is a continuationof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/099,684, filed Jun. 18, 1998, nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,186,359, issued Feb. 13, 2001, which is a divisional ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/725,934, filed Oct. 7, 1996, nowU.S. Pat. No. 5,799,810, issued Sep. 1, 1998, which is a divisional ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/311,041, filed Sep. 22, 1994, nowU.S. Pat. No. 5,562,219, issued Oct. 8, 1996.

The present invention relates to a device for attaching, and to a methodfor attaching, a dispenser member, such as a pump or a valve, to theneck of a receptacle containing a substance to be dispensed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known that a dispenser or dispenser member can be attached orfixed to the neck of a receptacle by means of a collar or ring in a waythat does not require crimping and thus facilitates assembly of thedevice.

In known techniques (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 2,723,773 issued to E. Greenein 1955), a fixing ring or attaching ring of the “snap-fastening” typeis placed on the body of a dispenser member and is snap-fastened to theneck of the receptacle, generally by means of snap-fastening tabsprovided for that purpose. A cup, hoop, or band is then engaged aroundthe collar or ring to hold the collar or ring securely to the neck ofthe receptacle.

In order to have an inexpensive and simple assembly, it is typicallynecessary to effect both the snap-fastening of the ring and theengagement of the hoop mechanically by means of a single, automaticassembly machine. The assembly machine exerts sufficient force on thehoop so that the ring is first snap-fastened on the neck of thereceptacle and so that the hoop is also subsequently fully engagedaround the ring.

Conventional attachment devices suffer from certain drawbacks. Inparticular, when the force exerted on the hoop is not uniformlydistributed around its periphery, there is a risk of the hoop beingforced away from its vertical position in the assembly machine so thatthe hoop becomes cocked or slanted and engaged obliquely on the fixingring, thereby preventing proper overall assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to avoid that drawback byproviding an attaching ring or fixing ring that ensures effective andreliable engagement with the hoop.

The present invention provides an attaching ring or a fixing ring forattaching or fixing a dispenser member on a neck of a receptaclecontaining a substance to be dispensed. The fixing ring is annular andcomprises a bottom portion and a top portion. The bottom portionincludes attaching means or fixing means for fixing the ring to theneck. The top portion includes an opening for the dispenser member aswell as means for securing the dispenser member on the container neck.

The top portion further includes at least one guide wall elementextending vertically parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dispensermember and around the periphery of the fixing ring substantially in linewith the fixing means of the bottom portion. This guide wall elementguides the hoop during installation and facilitates proper engagement ofthe components.

In a preferred embodiment of the ring, the fixing means aresnap-fastening means. Most preferably, the snap-fastening means are inthe form of tabs.

In the preferred embodiment of the ring, the guide wall elements form acontinuous, guiding, annular crown.

The fixing ring is adapted to be threaded around, or otherwise mountedto, the head of a dispenser member. A fixing ring made in accordancewith the invention also has the advantage of accommodating partialinstallation of a cup or hoop partway on the fixing ring which has beenmounted to the dispenser member. The hoop can be disposed on the ringaround the guide wall elements prior to being delivered to the customer.The customer then merely has to fill the receptacle with the chosensubstance and place the subassembly or unit formed by the dispensermember, the fixing ring, and the hoop in the assembly machine. Theassembly machine mounts the pre-assembled subassembly or unit on thereceptacle to engage the fixing means with the receptacle neck andsubsequently pushes the hoop down relative to the ring to effect finalassembly of the hoop in a fully engaged position around the ring.

The guide wall elements effectively eliminate, or at least minimize, thelikelihood of separation of the hoop from the fixing ring duringdelivery to the customer (e.g., when separation forces are imposed onthe components due to vibration in transport). The guide wall elementsalso ensure that the hoop is correctly positioned for initial engagementby the assembly machine and for accommodating subsequent full engagementwith the ring in the final assembly configuration.

Preferably, the guide wall elements have an outside diameter that isapproximately equal to the inside diameter of the hoop, thereby enablingthe hoop to be slidably engaged with the ring so that the frictionalengagement prevents easy separation.

Another aspect of the invention provides a multi-component attachingdevice or fixing device for fixing a dispenser member to the neck of areceptacle containing a substance to be dispensed. In the preferredform, the multi-component device includes two components. The deviceincludes an annular fixing ring provided with snap-fastening meansdesigned to snap-fasten to the neck of the receptacle. The device alsoincludes an annular hoop with an inside diameter substantially equal tothe outside diameter of the fixing ring and which is adapted to bemounted on the fixing ring in a force fit (i.e., by means of a forcefit, such as a press fit) to prevent the snap-fastening means fromsplaying apart.

The ring of the multi-component device comprises a bottom portion and atop portion. The bottom portion includes the snap-fastening means forsnap-fastening to the receptacle neck. The top portion includes anopening for the dispenser member and means for holding the dispensermember securely to the neck. The top portion further includes at leastone guide wall element extending vertically parallel to the longitudinalaxis of the dispenser member around the periphery of the fixing ring andsubstantially in line with the snap-fastening means of the bottomportion.

To obtain effective assembly of the fixing ring and of the hoop with asingle assembly machine, it is essential for the ring to be completelysnap-fastened on the neck of the receptacle before the hoop is fullyengaged with the ring in the final position.

Generally, this problem is solved by providing an initial friction fitbetween the ring and the hoop in an initial, non-final position whereinthe force of the initial frictional engagement is greater than the forcerequired to initially snap-fasten the ring on the neck of thereceptacle.

By exerting enough force on the hoop, it is thus possible to firstsnap-fasten the ring on the neck of the receptacle, and subsequentlymove the hoop from its initial position completely down over the ring toa final position. However, as conventionally effected, this techniquesuffers from the drawback that the relative dimensions of the ring andof the hoop must be accurately defined so that the friction forcebetween them is always the same.

Unfortunately, for manufacturing reasons, those dimensions are likely tovary somewhat, and as a result, proper assembly is not guaranteed. It isessential for the ring to snap-fasten before the hoop is positionedaround snap-fastening means thereon, and that may not occur if theresistance to snap-fastening is too great or if the friction between thering and the hoop is too small.

In a system described in German patent application No. P43 38 791.8, oneor more outwardly projecting pins are provided on the outsidecircumference of the snap-fastening ring. The bottom of the hoopinitially bears against them. When a downward force is applied to thehoop, the hoop and ring move down together in this pre-assemblyconfiguration. The ring, while being driven downwardly by the hoopengaging the ring pins, is caused to snap-fasten onto the receptaclebefore the pins are broken or inwardly deformed by the effect of asubsequent greater installation force which allows the hoop to be moveddown on the ring and fully engaged around the ring. That solves theproblem of tolerance of the dimensions. However, such special rings canbe difficult to mold, and that increases the cost of the device.

An object of one form of the present invention is to avoid theabove-identified drawbacks by providing a snap-fastening ring and a hoopthat are easy to mold, that can be assembled by a single assemblymachine, and that facilitate effective assembly independently ofdimensional tolerances, thereby making it possible significantly toreduce the manufacturing costs of a dispenser.

One form of the present invention therefore provides a further improved,multi-component fixing device for attaching or fixing a dispenser memberto the neck of a container or other receptacle containing a substance tobe dispensed. The device includes an annular fixing ring provided withsnap-fastening means designed to snap-fasten to the neck of thereceptacle.

The device also includes an annular hoop which has an inside diameterthat is substantially equal to the outside diameter of the fixing ring.The hoop is adapted to be engaged in a force fit (i.e., by means of aforce fit, such as a press fit) on the fixing ring to prevent thesnap-fastening means from splaying apart.

The fixing ring comprises a bottom portion and a top portion. The bottomportion includes the snap-fastening means for engaging the neck. The topportion includes an opening for the dispenser member and means forholding it securely to the neck. The top portion further includes atleast one guide wall element extending vertically parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the dispenser member around the periphery of thefixing ring substantially in line with the snap-fastening means of thebottom portion.

The hoop has an annular side wall. The hoop includes at least oneprojection on the inside face of its side wall which extends verticallyover at least a fraction of the height of the side wall. The insidediameter of the hoop at the projection is slightly less than the outsidediameter of the fixing ring. Preferably, the projection is in the formof a rib. In one embodiment, the rib can be defined by the convex sideof an indentation formed in the side wall.

For delivery purposes, the hoop can initially be pre-engaged partway onthe ring—on the guide wall of the fixing ring—with the bottom end of theprojection abutting the top end of the guide wall. During finalassembly, the projection pushes against the guide wall of the ring, andthe ring and the hoop are initially moved together to snap-fasten thering on the neck of the receptacle before the hoop is subsequently moveddown relative to the ring and positioned around the snap-fasteningelements of the ring.

Preferably, the hoop includes a plurality of projections uniformlydistributed around the inside face of the side wall of the hoop.

In a preferred form, the projection extends vertically from the top endof the hoop to a point situated more than halfway down the height of thehoop.

Optionally, the projection may have the form of an annular shoulderextending horizontally around the entire circumference of the hoop.

Preferably, the hoop is made of a material that is harder than that ofthe fixing ring. In a preferred form, the hoop is made of metal, and thefixing ring is made of a plastic material.

In another embodiment, the invention includes a particular type of aprojection on the hoop of a multi-component fixing device for attachingor fixing a dispenser member to the neck of a receptacle containing asubstance to be dispensed. The fixing device includes an annular fixingring provided with snap-fastening means designed to snap-fasten to theneck of the receptacle.

The fixing device also includes an annular hoop which has an insidediameter that is substantially equal to the outside diameter of thefixing ring. The hoop is adapted to be engaged in a force fit with thefixing ring to prevent the snap-fastening means from splaying apart.

The fixing ring comprises a bottom portion and a top portion. The bottomportion includes the snap-fastening means for snap-fastening to theneck. The top portion includes an opening for the dispenser member andmeans for holding it securely to the neck. The top portion furtherincludes at least one guide wall element extending vertically parallelto the longitudinal axis of the dispenser member around the periphery ofthe fixing ring substantially in line with the snap-fastening means ofthe bottom portion.

The hoop includes at least one projection on the inside face of its sidewall. The projection extends obliquely over at least a fraction of theheight of the side wall. The inside diameter of the hoop at theprojection is slightly less than the outside diameter of the fixingring.

Preferably, the projection is a rib. The rib may be defined by theconvex side of an indentation formed in the hoop side wall.

The use of the obliquely oriented projection advantageously facilitatesseparation of the hoop (which is typically made of metal) from thefixing ring (which is typically made of a plastic material) byunscrewing the hoop. This is of particular advantage for selectiverecycling of the different component materials from which the dispenseris made.

The present invention also provides a method of attaching or fixing adispenser member to the neck of a container or other receptaclecontaining a substance to be dispensed. The method comprises thefollowing steps:

(1) placing an annular attaching ring or fixing ring on the dispensermember, the annular fixing ring being provided at one end withsnap-fastening means and its opposite end with a guide wall extending inline with the snap-fastening means parallel to the longitudinal axis ofthe fixing ring;

(2) pre-engaging or partly engaging an annular hoop at an initial orfirst position on the guide wall of the fixing ring, the inside diameterof the hoop being substantially equal to the outside diameter of thefixing ring;

(3) placing a subassembly of the dispenser member, the fixing ring, andthe hoop on the neck of the receptacle;

(4) exerting a first force F1 on the hoop which bears against the guidewall of the fixing ring and urges the fixing ring into furtherengagement with the neck of the receptacle, the snap-fastening meansfirst splaying apart under the effect of the force F1 and subsequentlysnap-fastening to the neck of the receptacle as the ring moves with thehoop relative to the receptacle; and

(5) exerting on the hoop a second force F2 that is greater than thefirst force F1, the second force F2 being sufficient to cause the hoopto move relative to the fixing ring at a final position to furtherengage the fixing ring in a force fit with a portion of the hoop beinglocated adjacent the snap-fastening means, the hoop thus preventing thesnap-fastening means of the fixing ring from splaying apart.

The present invention also provides another form of a method ofattaching or fixing a dispenser member to the neck of a container orother receptacle having a flange and containing a substance to bedispensed. The method comprises the following steps:

(1) placing an annular attaching ring or fixing ring on the dispensermember, the fixing ring being provided at one end with snap-fasteningmeans and at its opposite end with a guide wall extending in line withthe snap-fastening means parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fixingring;

(2) pre-engaging or partly engaging an annular hoop at an initial orfirst position on the guide wall of the fixing ring, the inside diameterof the hoop being substantially equal to the outside diameter of thefixing ring and the hoop being provided on the inside face of its sidewall with at least one projection extending along at least a fraction ofthe height of the side wall, the inside diameter of the hoop at theprojection being slightly less than the outside diameter of the fixingring, the hoop being partly engaged or pre-engaged on the guide wall inthe position where the bottom end of the projection of the hoop bearsagainst the top end of the guide wall of the fixing ring;

(3) placing a subassembly of the dispenser member, the fixing ring, andthe hoop on the neck of the receptacle;

(4) exerting a first force F1 on the hoop which bears against the guidewall of the fixing ring via the bottom end of the projection and whichpushes the fixing ring against the neck of the receptacle, thesnap-fastening means first splaying part under the effect of the forceF1 prior to snap-fastening to the flange of the neck of the receptacle;and

(5) exerting on the hoop a second force F2 greater than the first forceF1, the second force F2 being sufficient to cause the hoop to moverelative to the fixing ring to a final position so as to further engagethe fixing ring in a force fit with a portion of the hoop being locatedadjacent the snap-fastening means, the hoop thereby preventing thesnap-fastening means of the fixing ring from splaying apart.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the present invention appear from thefollowing description of various embodiments which are presented by wayof non-limiting examples and with reference to the accompanyingdrawings.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a partially sectioned elevational view of an embodiment of afixing ring of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partially sectioned elevational view of another embodimentof a fixing ring of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-component fixing device ofthe invention that includes the ring of FIG. 1 and a first form of ahoop, the device being shown with its ring in a snap-fastened positionon a container flange prior to the hoop being moved further downrelative to the ring to effect a final, full engagement between the hoopand ring;

FIG. 4a is a cross-sectional view of a fixing device of the inventionincluding the ring of FIG. 1 and a second form of the hoop, the devicebeing shown in a position on a dispenser member forming a subassemblythat is suitable for delivery to a customer and in which the hoop ispre-engaged with, or mounted partway on, the ring which is mounted tothe dispenser member;

FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 4a after thering has been snap-fastened onto the neck of a receptacle and prior toestablishing the final, full engagement or complete engagement betweenthe hoop and the ring;

FIG. 4c is cross-sectional a view of the device of FIG. 4b in the finalassembly position after the hoop has been fully engaged with the ring;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a third form of the hoop, and thisform could also be employed in the device shown in FIGS. 4a-4c;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, but FIG. 6 shows a fourth form ofthe hoop;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 5, but FIG. 7 shows a fifth form of thehoop;

FIG. 8a is a cross-sectional view of a fixing device of the inventionincorporating the ring of FIG. 1 and a sixth form of the hoop, thedevice being shown in its position where the ring has been snap-fastenedand where the hoop is mounted in an initial position partway on thering, but prior to the final or complete engagement between the hoop andthe ring;

FIG. 8b is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 8a after thehoop has been moved further down relative to the ring to the finalposition where the hoop is fully engaged with the ring;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the hoop employed in the embodimentof the device shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 9, but FIG. 10 shows aseventh form of the hoop; and

FIGS. 11 and 12 are greatly enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional viewsof the two forms of the hoop shown in FIGS. 4a and 5, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In one aspect of the invention, an annular attaching ring or fixing ringis provided to attach or fix a dispenser member on the neck of acontainer or other receptacle containing a substance to be dispensed.Two variants or embodiments of such a fixing ring 10 are shown in FIGS.1 and 2.

With reference to FIG. 1, the fixing ring 10 includes a bottom portiondesigned to cooperate with the neck of the receptacle and includes a topportion designed to cooperate with the dispenser member. The bottomportion includes fixing means 12, 13 for holding, engaging, or attachingthe ring 10 to the neck. The means 12, 13 may be snap-fastening means.Preferably, the snap-fastening means 12, 13 include snap-fastening tabs12 and engaging members, catches, or feet 13. The tabs 12 are preferablydistributed around the circumference of the ring 10 and extend parallelto the central axis of the ring 10 (downwardly in FIGS. 1 and 2).

Each of the tabs 12 preferably includes a snap-fastening catch 13 at itsbottom end that projects from the inside surface of the ring 10. Eachcatch 13 and tab 12 can be moved together outwardly a little whensufficient downward force is applied to the ring 10 so as to enable itto pass over, and then snap in behind, the neck of the receptacle.

The bottom portion of the ring 10 is connected to the top portion via anannular shoulder or flat 11 that extends radially inwardly relative tothe central axis of the ring and that is approximately perpendicular tothe tabs 12. The flat 11 can rest directly on the top surface of theneck of the receptacle, or on a sealing gasket which may be provided atthat location, or on a complementary surface of the dispenser member.The flat 11 functions to hold or secure the dispenser member on (i.e.,at) the neck of the receptacle.

As shown in FIG. 1 for one embodiment of the ring 10, the flat 11 may beextended towards the inside of the ring by means of a turret 15 thatenables it to be securely held to a portion of the dispenser member. Inthe second embodiment shown in FIG. 2, such a turret is not provided.

Depending on the particular embodiment, it is either the flat 11 or theturret 15 that defines a central opening 16 through which the dispensermember extends.

In accordance with the invention, the top portion of the snap-fasteningring 10 also includes one or more guide wall portions 14 extendingvertically upwardly parallel to the central axis of the ring andextending from the snap-fastening tabs 12. Advantageously, the guidewall elements can form a continuous annular guide crown 14. The guidewall element(s) 14 function to hold a cup or hoop (e.g., hoop 20 in FIG.3) in proper alignment when such a hoop is mounted on, and slid downaround, the ring 10 as described in detail hereinafter.

In another aspect of the present invention, a multi-component device isprovided for fixing a dispenser member on the neck of a receptaclecontaining substances to be dispensed. The device includes a fixing ring10 as described above together with a hoop 20 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3)that can be engaged around the tabs 12 of the ring 11 to prevent thetabs 12 from splaying apart. This secures the ring 10 firmly on the neckof the receptacle, and also secures the dispenser member thereon.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a substance dispenser that includes acontainer or receptacle 1 having a neck or flange 2 and that includes adispenser member 3. The member 3 has a body 4 which includes a topportion from which a dispenser head 5 extends.

The receptacle 1 is typically made of glass or of a plastic material,and its neck or flange 2 is cylindrical.

The dispenser member 3 is typically a pump or a valve, depending on thenature of the substance to be dispensed and which may be of any desiredconsistency.

In order to attach or fix the dispenser member 3 on (i.e., at) the neck2 of the receptacle 1, an annular fixing ring 10, such as describedabove with reference to FIG. 1, can be employed. The ring 10 is placedover a top portion 6 of the body 4 of the dispenser member 3. Of course,it would also be possible to use the ring 10 as shown in FIG. 2 or anyother similar ring.

The dispenser member 3 in FIG. 3 is held on the neck 2 by means of theshoulder or flat 11 and by means of the turret 15. The dispenser head 5extends through the opening 16. Optionally, a sealing ring 7 can beprovided between the top surface of the neck 2 and the bottom surface ofthe flat 11 of the fixing ring 10.

As described above, the fixing ring or snap-fastening ring 10 includesone or more guide wall elements 14 that may preferably be provided inthe form of an annular guide crown 14.

The annular hoop 20 is designed to accommodate a forced engagement orforce fit with the ring 10 for the purpose of preventing thesnap-fastening tabs 12 from splaying apart. The hoop 20 has an annularside wall 21 with an inside surface 21a and an outside surface 21b. Thehoop 20 can be initially mounted partway on the ring 10. In particular,a portion of the hoop 20 can be engaged with, or placed on, the annularcrown 14. The hoop 20 includes an opening 23 at its top end to receivean actuator button or plug 30 that is mounted on the head 5 of thedispenser member 3.

Preferably, the outside diameter of the guide crown 14 (or plural guidewall elements, if employed) is substantially identical with the insidediameter of the side wall of the hoop 20. As a result, the hoop 20 canslide in a friction fit over the guide crown 14 to a partially engagedor pre-assembled position on the ring 10 as shown in FIG. 3. In such aninitial configuration, the subassembly of the dispenser member 3, ring10, and hoop 20 can be supplied to an assembly machine for finalassembly (i.e., installation) on the receptacle 1.

The friction between the guide crown 14 and the hoop 20 prevents thesetwo parts from separating during delivery to the customer who uses theassembly machine to effect final assembly on the receptacle 1. Inaddition, because the guide crown 14 extends substantially in line withthe snap-fastening tabs 12, the hoop 20 will engage the circumference ofsnap-fastening tabs 12 in a straight relationship and will not becomecocked on the tabs 12.

To achieve effective assembly and fixing of the dispenser member 3 onthe neck 2 of the receptacle 1 using a single assembly machine, the hoop20 must not begin to reach its fully lowered, final engagement positionaround the tabs 12 prior to the tabs 12 snap-fastening beneath the neck2. (The fully engaged, final position of the hoop 20 for the embodimentof the exact device shown in FIG. 3 is not illustrated, but such a finalposition is analogous to the position shown for the hoop 20 in analternate form of the device shown in FIG. 4c.)

The final engagement of the components can be facilitated by employinganother aspect of the invention as shown in FIGS. 4a to 12.Specifically, the hoop 20 can be provided with at least one projection22, 24 (projection 22 in FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c, 5-7, 11, and 12; andprojection 24 in FIGS. 8a, 8b, 9, and 10). The projection is on theinside face 21a of the annular side wall 21 of the hoop 20. Theprojection occupies a fraction of the height of the side wall 21. Theinside diameter of the hoop 20 over the projection 22 or 24 is slightlyless than the outside diameter of the ring 10.

As shown for an embodiment in FIGS. 11 and 12, the projection 22 mayhave the form of a rib. The projection 22 may be a solid rib (e.g., asshown in FIG. 11 for projection 22) or may be a rib defined by theconvex side of an indentation formed in the side wall (e.g., as shown inFIG. 12 for projection 22). When solid ribs are used (FIG. 11), theoutside surface 21b of the hoop 20 remains perfectly cylindrical, andthis may constitute an advantage from the point of view of appearance.

In the embodiments of the hoop as shown in FIGS. 4a-6, 11, and 12, theprojections 22 extend vertically up the side wall 21. Preferably, thehoop 20 includes a plurality of such projections 22 that are regularlydistributed around the inside face 21a of the side wall 21, as in theembodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c, 5, 6, 11, and 12.Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 4a and 5, the projections 22 extend fromthe top end of the hoop 20 to at least halfway down the hoop 20.Preferably, when a plurality of projections is provided, all of theprojections are identical.

In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 7, the projection 22 is an annularshoulder extending horizontally around the entire inner circumference ofthe hoop 20.

In the embodiments of the hoop shown in FIGS. 8a to 10, the projections24 are slanted and extend obliquely along the side wall 21. Preferably,the oblique projection 24 is elongate in shape so as to form an internalthread on the annular side wall 21 of the hoop 20.

The oblique forms of the projections are particularly advantageous whenthe ring 10 is made of a plastic material while the hoop 20 is made ofmetal. After some length of time that depends on the hardness of theplastic material constituting the ring 10, the ring material cold flowsor creeps to match or conform to the shape of the projection 24 of thehoop 20.

Subsequently, the oblique projection(s) 24, which form a partial orcomplete inside thread on the side wall 21 of the hoop 20, permit thehoop 20 to be removed from the ring 10 merely by unscrewing the hoop 20from the ring 10 once the dispenser is no longer in use. It is thereforepossible to separate components made of plastic materials fromcomponents made of metal for the purpose of performing selectiverecycling.

In a variant shown in FIG. 10, the inside face of the side wall 21 ofthe hoop 20 includes only one projection 24. Advantageously, that oneoblique projection 24 occupies about one full turn of the circumferenceof the side wall 21. It is clear that under such circumstances, theslope of the projection 24 is relatively shallow.

In another variant shown in FIG. 9, the inside face of the annular sidewall of the hoop is provided with a plurality of parallel, obliqueprojections 24 which are preferably uniformly distributed around theinner circumference of the side wall.

The method or operation of attaching or fixing the device is nextbriefly described with reference to FIGS. 4a to 4c which illustrate theform of the hoop 20 that has vertical projections 22. However, it willbe appreciated that the device operates in identical manner with a hoophaving one or more oblique projections (such as in the hoops 20illustrated in FIGS. 8a, 8b, 9, and 10).

First, the fixing ring 10 is threaded around, or otherwise disposed on,the head 5 of the dispenser member 3. The ring 10 is fixed or retainedon the head 5 by means of the turret 15 engaging the top portion 6 ofthe body 4 of the dispenser member 3.

The hoop 20 is then mounted partway on the ring 10. In particular, thehoop 20 placed around the guide wall element (s) 14 that preferably forman annular crown on the fixing ring 10. The hoop is pushed down on thering 10 until the bottom ends 22a of the projections 22 abut the top endof the annular crown 14 of the fixing ring 10. This forms a subassemblyconstituted by the dispenser member 3, the ring 10, and the hoop 20.FIG. 4a shows the subassembly in its pre-engaged, non-finalconfiguration, and it is in this configuration that the assembly isdelivered to the customer. The customer then needs merely to fill thereceptacle 1 with the chosen substance and to install the subassembly(dispenser member 3, ring 10, and hoop 20) on the receptacle 1 with asingle assembly machine (not shown).

In those applications where a gasket 7 is employed, the gasket 7 isdisposed around the top of the receptacle flange 2. The body 4 of thedispenser member 3 is then inserted into the neck of the receptacle 1 sothat the snap-fastening tabs 12 initially rest against the sealinggasket 7 on the top surface of the neck 2 of the receptacle 1.

The assembly machine applies a first vertical thrust force F1 to thehoop 20. Because the inside diameter of the hoop 20 around itsprojections 22 is less than the outside diameter of the fixing ring 10,the hoop is initially prevented from sliding down further over the ringwhen the force F1 is applied to the hoop 20. The force F1 is thereforetransmitted by the hoop 20 to the fixing ring 10 so that the ring 10 andhoop 20 move down together on the top of the receptacle 1. Thesnap-fastening tabs 12 splay apart under the effect of the force F1, andthe ring 10 slides down around the neck 2 of the receptacle 1 until thesnap-fastening tabs 12 snap beneath the neck 2 (as can be seen in FIG.4b). The body 4 of the dispenser member 3 is then securely held insidethe receptacle 1. Sealing is provided by the sealing gasket 7.

The assembly machine continues to urge the hoop 20 downwardly. A secondvertical thrust force F2 is applied to the hoop 20 by the machine. Thissecond force F2 is greater than the first force F1 and is sufficient toforce the hoop 20 further down onto the fixing ring 10 as theprojections 22 temporarily deform the ring guide wall 14 to accommodatethe further downward movement of the hoop 20 to the final position shownin FIG. 4c where the lower portion of the hoop is adjacent the tabs 12.

The snap-fastening tabs 12 of the fixing ring 10 are thus held in theirlocking position and they cannot splay apart, thus ensuring that thedispenser member 3 will remain fixed or attached to the receptacle 1.

The required difference between the forces F1 and F2 depends on theshape and size (e.g., radial thickness) of the projections 22 in thehoop 20 and also depends on the characteristics of the material of thering 10. A sufficient radial thickness of the projections 22 makes itpossible to ensure effective assembly even if the snap-fastening tabs 12should, for manufacturing reasons, be somewhat less flexible thanintended, thereby causing them to exhibit higher resistance tosnap-fastening.

When the hoop 20 is preferably made of metal, it is relatively easy toforce it onto the fixing ring 10 (which is typically made of a plasticmaterial) even though the inside diameter of the hoop 20 (as measuredaround its projections 22) is smaller than the outside diameter of thering 10. The projections 22 become embedded in the annular guide crown14 of the fixing ring 10.

In the presently preferred embodiment, the lowest parts of the ribs(e.g., the bottoms 22a of the ribs 22) are above the tab snap-fasteningcatches 13 when the hoop 20 is in the fully assembled, final, lowestposition on the fixing ring 10.

When using a ring 10 which has no projections (e.g., as shown in FIG.3), the initial frictional engagement between the ring 10 and hoop 20 isgreat enough to prevent movement of the hoop 20 all the way down intofull engagement around the ring 10 until after the ring 10 has beenpushed onto the receptacle flange 2 and snap-fastened thereto.

1. A container and dispenser assembly comprising: a container having aflange, said flange having an upper surface and a generallysubstantially cylindrical sidewall defining an outside diameter; anannular fixing ring mounted on said flange of said container comprisinga lower portion and an upper portion, said fixing ring upper portionhaving an upper portion height above said lower portion, said lowerportion and said upper portion together defining a total height, saidlower portion having a generally substantially circular-shaped interiordefining a first inside diameter, said upper portion above said lowerportion having a generally substantially cylindrical interior surfacedefining a second inside diameter substantially identical to said flangeoutside diameter, said upper portion having an inwardly-extendingannular shoulder defining a lower surface for transferring an axialforce to said flange upper surface, and having a turret extendingupwardly from said shoulder, said turret defining a receiving cavity andhaving a central opening having a third inside diameter which is smallerthan both said first inside diameter and said second inside diameter, atleast a portion of the upper portion height of said fixing ring upperportion above said lower portion defining a generally substantiallycylindrical exterior surface that is circumferentially continuous andthat defines an outer diameter; a dispenser member mounted in saidfixing ring, said dispenser member including a pump having a bodyextending into said fixing ring turret in engagement therewith andhaving an upwardly extending dispenser head which extends upwardlythrough said smaller diameter central opening of said turret and whichincludes an actuator button; an annular hoop mounted on said fixing ringhaving a central opening and comprising a bottom end, a top end, and anannular side wall having a height at least as great as the total heightof said fixing ring so that said annular hoop peripherally surroundssaid fixing ring preventing said lower portion of said fixing ring fromsplaying outwardly and maintaining said first inside diameter of saidfixing ring smaller than said flange outside diameter, at least aportion of the height of said hoop annular side wall comprising agenerally substantially cylindrical interior surface defining a firstinner hoop diameter substantially identical with said outer diameter ofsaid fixing ring cylindrical exterior surface above said lower portionso that frictional engagement between said hoop and said ring resistsseparation of said hoop from said ring, said interior surface of saidhoop including a plurality of engaging structures extending along saidannular side wall for engaging said fixing ring cylindrical exteriorsurface to increase axial resistance to separation of said hoop fromsaid ring when oppositely directed forces are applied to said hoop andring.
 2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said plurality of engagingstructures extends obliquely along said annular side wall of said hoop.3. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said hoop is made of metal and saidfixing ring is made of plastic, and said plurality of engagingstructures comprises portions of said interior surface of said hoopwhich define a further inner diameter of said hoop which is differentfrom said first inner hoop diameter so that said portions increase axialresistance to separation of said hoop from said ring when oppositelydirected forces are applied to said hoop and ring.
 4. The assembly ofclaim 1 wherein said hoop is made of metal and said fixing ring is madeof plastic, and said plurality of engaging structures comprises portionsof said interior surface of said hoop which define a further innerdiameter of said hoop which is different from said first inner hoopdiameter so that said fixing ring material creeps to conform to the ashape of said portions.
 5. The assembly of claim 1 wherein saidplurality of engaging structures comprises a plurality of projectionsextending along said annular side wall, said projections defining afurther inner diameter.
 6. The assembly of claim 5 wherein said hoop ismade of metal and said fixing ring is made of plastic so that saidprojections are embedded in said fixing ring.
 7. The assembly of claim 5wherein said hoop is made of metal and said fixing ring is made ofplastic so that said fixing ring material creeps to conform to the ashape of said projections.
 8. A substance dispenser assembly comprising:an annular fixing ring comprising a lower portion and an upper portion,said fixing ring upper portion having an upper portion height above saidlower portion, said lower portion and said upper portion togetherdefining a total height, said lower portion having a generallysubstantially circular-shaped interior defining a first inside diameter,said upper portion above said lower portion having a generallysubstantially cylindrical interior surface defining a second insidediameter, said upper portion having an inwardly-extending annularshoulder defining a lower surface and having a turret extending upwardlyfrom said shoulder, said turret defining a receiving cavity and having acentral opening having a third inside diameter which is smaller thanboth said first inside diameter and said second inside diameter, atleast a portion of the upper portion height of said fixing ring upperportion above said lower portion defining a generally substantiallycylindrical exterior surface that is circumferentially continuous andthat defines an outer diameter; a dispenser member mounted in saidfixing ring, said dispenser member including a pump having a bodyextending into said fixing ring turret in engagement therewith andhaving an upwardly extending dispenser head which extends upwardlythrough said smaller diameter central opening of said turret and whichincludes an actuator button; an annular hoop mounted partially on saidfixing ring having a central opening and comprising a bottom end, a topend, and an annular side wall having a height at least as great as thetotal height of said fixing ring so that when said annular hoop ismounted fully on said fixing ring said hoop will peripherally surroundsaid fixing ring preventing said lower portion of said fixing ring fromsplaying outwardly and whereby said fully mounted annular hoop willmaintain said first inside diameter of said fixing ring to be smallerthan said second inside diameter of said fixing ring, at least a portionof the height of said hoop annular side wall adjacent said bottom endcomprising a generally substantially cylindrical interior surfacedefining a first inner hoop diameter substantially identical with saidouter diameter of said fixing ring cylindrical exterior surface abovesaid lower portion so that frictional engagement between said hoop andsaid ring resists separation of said hoop from said ring, said interiorsurface of said hoop including a plurality of engaging structuresextending along said annular side wall for engaging said fixing ringcylindrical exterior surface to increase axial resistance to separationof said hoop from said ring when oppositely directed forces are appliedto said hoop and ring.
 9. The assembly of claim 8 wherein said pluralityof engaging structures extends obliquely along said annular side wall ofsaid hoop.
 10. The assembly of claim 8 wherein said hoop is made ofmetal and said fixing ring is made of plastic, and said plurality ofengaging structures comprises portions of said interior surface of saidhoop which define a further inner diameter of said hoop which isdifferent from said first inner hoop diameter so that as said hoop ismoved into increased longitudinal engagement with said fixing ring saidportions transfer some axial load to said fixing ring.
 11. The assemblyof claim 8 wherein said hoop is made of metal and said fixing ring ismade of plastic, and said plurality of engaging structures comprisesportions of said interior surface of said hoop which define a furtherinner diameter of said hoop which is different from said first innerhoop diameter so that said fixing ring material will creep to conform tothe a shape of said portions.
 12. The assembly of claim 8 wherein saidplurality of engaging structures comprises a plurality of projectionsextending along said annular side wall, said projections defining afurther inner diameter of said hoop which is smaller than said firstinner hoop diameter so that as said hoop is moved into increasedlongitudinal engagement with said fixing ring said projections transfersome axial load to said fixing ring.
 13. The assembly of claim 12wherein said hoop is made of metal and said fixing ring is made ofplastic so that said projections become embedded in said fixing ring.14. The assembly of claim 12 wherein said hoop is made of metal and saidfixing ring is made of plastic so that said fixing ring material willcreep to conform to the a shape of said projections.
 15. A substancedispenser assembly comprising: an annular fixing ring comprising a lowerportion and an upper portion, said fixing ring upper portion having anupper portion height above said lower portion, said lower portion andsaid upper portion together defining a total height, said lower portionhaving a generally substantially circular-shaped interior defining afirst inside diameter, said upper portion above said lower portionhaving a generally substantially cylindrical interior surface defining asecond inside diameter, said upper portion having an inwardly-extendingannular shoulder defining a lower surface and having a turret extendingupwardly from said shoulder, said turret defining a receiving cavity andhaving a central opening having a third inside diameter which is smallerthan both said first inside diameter and said second inside diameter, atleast a portion of the upper portion height of said fixing ring upperportion above said lower portion defining a generally substantiallycylindrical exterior surface that is circumferentially continuous andthat defines an outer diameter; a dispenser member mounted in saidfixing ring, said dispenser member including a pump having a bodyextending into said fixing ring turret in engagement therewith andhaving an upwardly extending dispenser head which extends upwardlythrough said smaller diameter central opening of said turret and whichincludes an actuator button; an annular hoop having a central openingand comprising a bottom end, a top end, and an annular side wall havinga height at least as great as the total height of said fixing ring sothat when said annular hoop is mounted fully on said fixing ring saidhoop will peripherally surround said fixing ring preventing said lowerportion of said fixing ring from splaying outwardly and whereby saidfully mounted annular hoop will maintain said first inside diameter ofsaid fixing ring to be smaller than said second inside diameter of saidfixing ring, at least a portion of the height of said hoop annular sidewall adjacent said bottom end comprising a generally substantiallycylindrical interior surface defining a first inner hoop diametersubstantially identical with said outer diameter of said fixing ringcylindrical exterior surface above said lower portion so that after saidannular hoop is mounted partway on said fixing ring frictionalengagement between said hoop and said ring will resist separation ofsaid hoop from said ring, said interior surface of said hoop including aplurality of engaging structures extending along said annular side wallfor engaging said fixing ring cylindrical exterior surface to increaseaxial resistance to separation of said hoop from said ring whenoppositely directed forces are applied to said hoop and ring.
 16. Theassembly of claim 15 wherein said plurality of engaging structuresextends obliquely along said annular side wall of said hoop.
 17. Theassembly of claim 15 wherein said hoop is made of metal and said fixingring is made of plastic, and said plurality of engaging structurescomprises portions of said interior surface of said hoop which define afurther inner diameter of said hoop which is different from said firstinner hoop diameter so that as said hoop is moved onto said fixing ringinto increased longitudinal engagement with said fixing ring saidportions transfer some axial load to said fixing ring.
 18. The assemblyof claim 15 wherein said hoop is made of metal and said fixing ring ismade of plastic, and said plurality of engaging structures comprisesportions of said interior surface of said hoop which define a furtherinner diameter of said hoop which is different from said first innerhoop diameter so that said fixing ring material will creep to conform tothe a shape of said portions.
 19. The assembly of claim 15 wherein saidplurality of engaging structures comprises a plurality of projectionsextending along said annular side wall, said projections defining afurther inner diameter of said hoop which is smaller than said firstinner hoop diameter so that as said hoop is moved onto said fixing ringinto increased longitudinal engagement with said fixing ring saidprojections transfer some axial load to said fixing ring.
 20. Theassembly of claim 19 wherein said hoop is made of metal and said fixingring is made of plastic so that said projections become embedded in saidfixing ring.
 21. The assembly of claim 19 wherein said hoop is made ofmetal and said fixing ring is made of plastic so that said fixing ringmaterial will creep to conform to the a shape of said projections.
 22. Afixing device for fixing a dispenser member to a neck of a receptaclecontaining a substance to be dispensed, comprising: a fixing ringcomprising a bottom portion having a fastening part structured to engagethe receptacle neck and a top portion defining a receiving cavity forthe dispenser member, the fixing ring defining an exterior surface; andan annular hoop surrounding the fixing ring so as to prevent thefastening part from moving radially outwardly, the annular hoop havingat least one projection located on an inner surface of the annular hoop,the projection extending radially inwardly, the projection being axiallylocated at a level of the fixing ring and deforming inwardly theexterior surface of the fixing ring when the hoop is fully mounted onthe ring so as to increase resistance to separation of the annular hoopfrom the fixing ring; and wherein, when the annular hoop is fullymounted on the fixing ring, the fixing ring extends axially below theprojection in the direction of the receptacle.
 23. The fixing deviceaccording to claim 22, wherein the at least one projection is annular.24. The fixing device according to claim 23, wherein the annularprojection extends circumferentially and horizontally.
 25. The fixingdevice according to claim 22, wherein the hoop has an outer surface thatis cylindrical at a level of the projection.
 26. The fixing deviceaccording to claim 22, wherein the hoop has an outer surface that isrecessed at a level of the projection.
 27. The fixing device accordingto claim 22, wherein the hoop has an upper end and a lower end, theprojection being spaced from the lower end so as to define a lower hoopsection having a cylindrical inner surface, an outer surface of the ringhaving an outer diameter substantially identical to an inner diameter ofthe cylindrical inner surface so that the lower hoop section isengageable on the ring with the projection abutting a top end of thering.
 28. A fixing device according to claim 22, wherein the hoopcomprises a plurality of annular projections.
 29. The set of componentsaccording to claim 32, wherein the at least one projection comprises atleast one annular shoulder.
 30. The set of components according to claim29, wherein the shoulder extends circumferentially horizontally.
 31. Thefixing device according to claim 22, wherein, when the hoop is fullymounted on the ring, the ring also extends axially above the projection.32. A set of components that can be assembled in an assembled state toform a substance dispenser assembly, the set comprising: an annularfixing ring comprising a bottom portion and a top portion, the bottomportion having an inwardly projecting fastening part in the assembledstate, the top portion defining a receiving cavity, at least a radiallyoutermost portion of the fixing ring above the fastening part defining asubstantially cylindrical exterior surface that defines an outerdiameter; a dispensing member structured to be mounted in the fixingring so that the dispenser member extends into the fixing ring cavity insnap-fit engagement with the fixing ring and projects upwardly throughthe top portion; and an annular hoop having top and bottom ends andhaving an annular side wall with a height that is sufficient tocompletely enclose the fixing ring and prevent the fastening part frommoving radially outwardly when the annular hoop is mounted fully on thefixing ring, at least a portion of the height of the annular side walladjacent the bottom end defining a substantially cylindrical interiorsurface having an inner diameter substantially identical with the outerdiameter of the fixing ring substantially cylindrical exterior surface,at least one projection located on the annular hoop interior surface andspaced upwardly from the annular hoop bottom end to define a furtherinner diameter of the annular hoop, the further inner diameter beingless than the outer diameter of the fixing ring substantiallycylindrical exterior surface prior to assembly of the annular hoop andfixing ring so that as the annular hoop is moved onto the fixing ringinto increased longitudinal engagement with the fixing ring the at leastone projection being axially located at the level of the fixing ringwhen the hoop is fully mounted on the ring, the at least one projectioninwardly deforms the exterior surface and transfers some axial load tothe fixing ring so that after completion of the movement of the annularhoop further onto the fixing ring the engagement of the at least oneprojection with the fixing ring increases resistance to separation ofthe annular hoop from the fixing ring when oppositely directed forcesare applied to the annular hoop and fixing ring, and so that, when theannular hoop is fully mounted on the fixing ring, the fixing ringextends axially below the projection.
 33. The set of componentsaccording to claim 32, wherein, when the annular hoop is fully mountedon the fixing ring, the fixing ring also extends axially above theprojection.
 34. A set of components that can be assembled to form asubstance dispenser assembly, the set comprising: an annular fixing ringcomprising a bottom portion and a top portion, the bottom portion havinga fastening part, the top portion defining a receiving cavity, at leasta radially outermost portion of the fixing ring defining a substantiallycylindrical exterior surface that defines an outer diameter; adispensing member structured to be mounted in the fixing ring so thatthe dispenser member extends into the fixing ring cavity and projectsupwardly through the top portion; and an annular hoop having top andbottom ends and having an annular side wall with a height that issufficient to completely enclose the fixing ring preventing thefastening part from moving radially outwardly when the annular hoop ismounted fully on the fixing ring, at least one projection located on aninterior surface of the annular hoop and that defines a further innerdiameter of the annular hoop, the further inner diameter being less thanthe outer diameter of the fixing ring substantially cylindrical exteriorsurface prior to assembly of the annular hoop and fixing ring so that asthe annular hoop is moved onto the fixing ring the at least oneprojection inwardly deforms the exterior surface and so that, aftercompletion of a movement of the annular hoop further onto the fixingring, the projection is axially located at a level of the ring and theengagement of the at least one projection with the fixing ring increasesresistance to separation of the annular hoop from the fixing ring whenoppositely directed forces are applied to the annular hoop and thefixing ring, respectively, and so that, when the annular hoop is fullymounted on the fixing ring, the fixing ring extends axially below theprojection.
 35. The set of components according to claim 34, wherein theat least one projection comprises at least one annular shoulder.
 36. Theset of components according to claim 35, wherein the shoulder extendscircumferentially and horizontally.
 37. The set of components accordingto claim 34, wherein, when the annular hoop is fully mounted on thefixing ring, the fixing ring also extends axially above the projection.38. A container and dispenser assembly comprising: a containercomprising a neck defining an opening into the container; a dispenser; afixing ring to which the dispenser is mounted, the fixing ringcomprising a bottom portion having a radially deformable part structuredto engage the container neck and prevent removal of the fixing ring fromthe container neck, and a top portion defining a receiving cavity thatreceives at least a portion of the dispenser, the fixing ring furthercomprising an exterior surface; a hoop around the fixing ring thatprevents the radially deformable part from moving radially outwardly,the hoop having at least one projection located on an inner surface ofthe hoop, the projection extending radially inwardly, the projectioninwardly deforming the exterior surface of the fixing ring; and wherein,when the hoop is fully mounted on the fixing ring, the fixing ringextends axially below the projection.
 39. The assembly according toclaim 38, wherein the dispenser is a pump.
 40. The assembly according toclaim 38, wherein, when the annular hoop is fully mounted on the fixingring, the fixing ring also extends axially above the projection.
 41. Acontainer and dispenser assembly comprising: a container having aflange, the flange having an upper surface and a substantiallycylindrical sidewall defining an outside diameter; a fixing ring mountedon the flange of the container and comprising a lower portion and anupper portion, the lower portion and the upper portion together defininga total height of the fixing ring, the lower portion having a fasteningpart structured to engage the flange, the upper portion defining areceiving cavity with a central opening; a dispenser mounted in thefixing ring, the dispenser including a pump engaged with the upperportion of the fixing ring and that extends upwardly through the centralopening of the upper portion of the fixing ring; a hoop mounted on thefixing ring having a central opening and comprising a bottom end, a topend, and an annular side wall, wherein the hoop surrounds the fixingring and prevents the fastening part of the fixing ring from movingoutwardly, at least a portion of the annular side wall comprising asubstantially cylindrical interior surface defining an inner hoopdiameter substantially the same as an outer diameter of an exteriorsurface of the fixing ring so that frictional engagement between thehoop and the fixing ring resists separation of the hoop from the fixingring, the interior surface of the hoop including at least one projectionthat engages the exterior surface of the fixing ring when the hoop isfully mounted on the ring so as to increase axial resistance toseparation of the hoop from the fixing ring when oppositely directedforces are applied to the hoop and the fixing ring, respectively; andwherein, when the annular hoop is fully mounted on the fixing ring, thefixing ring extends axially below the projection.
 42. The assemblyaccording to claim 41, wherein, when the annular hoop is fully mountedon the fixing ring, the fixing ring also extends axially above theprojection.
 43. A substance dispenser assembly comprising: a fixing ringcomprising a lower portion and an upper portion, the fixing ring upperportion having an upper portion height above the lower portion, thelower portion and the upper portion together defining a total height,the lower portion having a substantially circular-shaped interiordefining a first inside diameter, the upper portion above the lowerportion having a substantially cylindrical interior surface defining anopening having a second inside diameter that is smaller than the firstinside diameter; a dispenser mounted in the fixing ring, the dispenserincluding a pump having a body extending into the fixing ring andengaged with the fixing ring and having an upwardly extending dispenserhead that extends upwardly through the opening having the second insidediameter; a hoop mounted partially on the fixing ring having a centralopening and comprising a bottom end, a top end, and an annular side wallso that when the hoop is mounted fully on the fixing ring the hoopperipherally surrounds the fixing ring and prevents the lower portion ofthe fixing ring from moving radially outwardly, and wherein at least aportion of the height of the annular side wall adjacent the bottom endcomprises a substantially cylindrical interior surface defining a firstinner hoop diameter substantially identical with an outer diameter ofthe fixing ring cylindrical exterior surface, the interior surface ofthe hoop including a plurality of projections extending along theannular side wall that engage the fixing ring cylindrical exteriorsurface to increase axial resistance to separation of the hoop from thefixing ring when oppositely directed forces are applied to the hoop andthe fixing ring, respectively.
 44. A substance dispenser assemblycomprising: an annular fixing ring comprising a lower portion and anupper portion, the upper portion above the lower portion and having anopening defining a receiving cavity; a dispenser mounted in the fixingring so as to extend into the receiving cavity and be in engagement withthe upper portion of the fixing ring; a hoop having a central openingand comprising a bottom end, a top end, and a peripheral side wall, sothat when the hoop is fully mounted on the fixing ring the hoop willsurround the fixing ring and prevent the lower portion of the fixingring from expanding outwardly, wherein at least a portion of a height ofthe peripheral side wall near the bottom end comprises an interioropening dimensioned substantially the same as an outer dimension of thefixing ring so that, after the hoop is mounted partway on the fixingring, frictional engagement between the hoop and the fixing ring resistsseparation of the hoop from the fixing ring, and wherein the interiorsurface of the hoop includes at least one engaging projection extendingalong at least a portion of the peripheral side wall and biting into anouter surface of the fixing ring when the hoop is fully mounted on thefixing ring; and wherein, when the annular hoop is fully mounted on thefixing ring, the fixing ring extends axially below the projection. 45.The substance dispenser assembly according to claim 44, comprising aplurality of engaging projections.
 46. The substance dispenser assemblyto claim 44, wherein, when the annular hoop is fully mounted on thefixing ring, the fixing ring also extends axially above the projection.